Page 2179 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Wheak, wheak! So cries a pig preparèd to the spit. Exeunt.

DEMET RIUS

What mean’st thou, Aaron? wherefore didst thou this?

AARON

O Lord, sir, ’tis a deed of policy.
Shall she live to betray this guilt, of ours,
A long-tongued babbling gossip? no, lords, no. [150]
And now be it known to you my full intent.
Not far one Muly lives, my countryman;
His wife but yesternight was brought to bed.
His child is like to her, fair as you are.
Go pack with him, and give the mother gold,
And tell them both the circumstance of all,
And how by this their child shall be advanced,
And be receivèd for the emperor’s heir,
And substituted in the place of mine,
To calm this tempest whirling in the court; [160]
And let the emperor dandle him for his own.
Hark ye, lords; you see I have given her physic,
And you must needs bestow her funeral
The fields are near, and you are gallant grooms.
This done, see that you take no longer days,
But send the midwife presently to me.
The midwife and the nurse well made away,
Then let the ladies tattle what they please.

CHIRON

Aaron, I see, thou wilt not trust the air
With secrets.

DEMET RIUS

For this care of Tamora, [170]
Herself and hers are highly bound to thee.

AARON

Now to the Goths, as swift as swallow flies,
There to dispose this treasure in mine arms,